Renault now sponsored by Lada

The Russian influence appears to have crept into Renault, with the news that prestiged (not) car maker Lada is to sponsor the team for 2010.

The Renault F1 team owns 25% of AvtoVAZ, which manufactures Ladas. Also, Renault driver Vitaly Petrov won championships in Ladas in 2002 and 2005. This all seems to be playing into Bernie Ecclestone’s hands, as a large Russian manufacturer going into F1 edges the sport further and further into a Russian Grand Prix situation. If you need any more confirmation, just look at the fact that only Vitaly Petrov’s overalls will have the Lada logo on it, and not Robert Kubica.

The chairman of Renault, Gerard Lopez, said:

"Through Mangrove Capital we have been actively investing in Russia
over the last years. We know the country well, we have a high degree
of appreciation for it and, as such, it is an honour for our F1 team
to spearhead Russia’s entry into the sport and to carry the Lada
brand at the highest level of world motorsport. We look forward to
an exciting and successful season together."